When free agency opens up next month, Dwayne Bowe is expected to be one of the most highly sought after wide receivers.
For this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback column at SI.com, Peter King spoke to one scout who isn’t sure he agrees with that assessment. The scout told King that he’s not convinced the Chiefs receiver is worth the money he’s likely to command on the open market.
“I am scared to death of Dwayne Bowe. Like him a lot, but not sure what we’d be buying if we signed him. Too much baggage,” the anonymous scout said.
Bowe’s stay in Kansas City had its rocky moments, including a four-game PED suspension and some clashes with coaches. There have been issues with drops and weight over the years as well. That said, none of the top wide receivers on the market come without risks. Greg Jennings was hurt last year, Brian Hartline has had one season of high performance and Mike Wallace hasn’t quite made a convincing case about his overall package of skills.
Whatever Bowe’s flaws, he’s been a productive receiver while playing with some bad quarterbacks while in Kansas City. Some team will make the bet that his production can go even higher if someone better is throwing him passes. There’s no guarantee it will pay off for them, but such is the risk involved with almost any acquisition that also offers the potential for big rewards.